Heading into 2025, the custom Air Handling Unit (AHU) market is poised for significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and evolving environmental regulations. Custom AHUs, tailored to meet specific building requirements, are becoming increasingly vital in delivering efficient and effective HVAC solutions.
Here are five key trends we’re following at Kinetix that will shape the realities of the custom AHU market in 2025.
1. The Rise of Connected Smart Tech
The adoption of smart technologies in HVAC systems is revolutionizing the custom AHU market. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, and advanced control systems is making real-time monitoring and optimization of air handling processes a reality. This connectivity allows for levels of predictive maintenance, energy consumption tracking, and enhanced indoor air quality management that seemed like science fiction even a few years ago. For instance, smart AHUs can adjust airflow and temperature based on occupancy patterns, leading to significant energy savings and improved comfort levels. According to Grand View Research, the global HVAC systems market is expected to reach $382.6 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2024 to 2030, highlighting the growing importance of smart HVAC solutions. And though custom AHU is only a small component of the overall HVAC market, it’s safe to assume similar or even faster growth.
2. Everything’s Going Green
Environmental concerns and rising energy costs are propelling the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable custom AHUs. Though political winds may shift, new developments still tout environmental friendliness as a major selling feature in their properties. Manufacturers are focusing on designing units that comply with stringent energy regulations and utilize eco-friendly materials. Features such as energy recovery systems, high-efficiency fans, and variable speed drives are becoming standard to minimize energy consumption. Additionally, the use of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants and recyclable materials aligns with global sustainability goals. The emphasis on green building certifications, such as LEED and BREEAM, further drives the adoption of energy-efficient custom AHUs.
3. Increased Customization
The versatility of custom AHUs allows them to cater to a wide range of applications across various industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, data centers, and commercial buildings. And the needs of these different types of projects just keep diverging. Each sector has unique requirements concerning air quality, temperature control, and humidity levels. For example, hospitals require AHUs with advanced filtration systems to maintain sterile environments, while data centers need precise temperature and humidity control to protect sensitive equipment. The success of custom AHU manufacturers will rest to a certain extent on their ability to create novel configurations of AHUs to meet these specific needs. Modularization or semi-custom AHUs are a reality in the industry, addressing the need for customization and the efficiency and cost benefits of off-the-shelf solutions. But true custom will continue to require innovative thinking and problem solving.
4. Advanced Air Filtration & Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Solutions are Here to Stay
Though the COVID-19 pandemic seems like a distant memory, its legacy in the AHU business is heightened awareness of indoor air quality, leading to increased demand for custom AHUs equipped with advanced filtration systems. Technologies such as High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI), and activated carbon filters are being integrated into AHUs to effectively remove contaminants, pathogens, and pollutants from indoor air. Improved IAQ is essential for occupant health and comfort, particularly in environments like hospitals, schools, and office buildings. The focus on IAQ is expected to remain a significant driver in the custom AHU market.
5. Digital Twins and Predictive Maintenance are the Future
The implementation of digital twin technology in custom AHUs is emerging as a transformative trend. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical system that allows for simulation, analysis, and optimization. By creating digital twins of AHUs, operators can monitor performance in real time, predict potential failures, and schedule maintenance proactively. This approach reduces downtime, extends equipment lifespan, and enhances operational efficiency. Predictive maintenance, enabled by data analytics and machine learning, is becoming a standard practice in the HVAC industry, offering cost savings and reliability improvements.
Wrap-up
The custom AHU market in 2025 is set to evolve with the integration of smart technologies, a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, the ability to cater to diverse applications, advancements in air filtration and IAQ solutions, and the adoption of digital twin technology for predictive maintenance. These trends reflect a broader movement towards intelligent, sustainable, and customized HVAC solutions that meet the specific needs of various industries and contribute to healthier indoor environments. Kinetix Air will be there to support manufacturers in applying these new trends to their businesses.
Kinetix Can Help You Accelerate AHU Design – Come Meet Us at AHR
Kinetix Air’s next-generation custom AHU selection tool helps you jump-start the design process and accelerate selection to help meet new demand. It also automates costing and validating, allowing you to respond to RFPs 90% faster and iterate designs on the fly. To speak with one of our experts about how Kinetix Air can help your business, click here to set up a call.
If you want the whole story on exactly how Kinetix Air can help give your SAEs superpowers, help you get selected as Basis of Design and raise your win rate, just click here.
Come meet us at AHR 2025 (booth 8575) from Feb 10-12 in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando to experience the power of next-gen selection software to improve your bottom line.
You can also set up a quick walkthrough during the show by clicking here.
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